zweitens
/ˈt͡svaɪ̯tn̩s/
The English phrase "secondly" is translated into German as zweitens.
zweitens is used to introduce a second point or reason in a list, often following erstens (firstly).
Meaning: in the second place (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by adding the suffix -ens to the ordinal number zwei (two).
How does it change in a sentence?
zweitens is part of a standard sequence of ordinal adverbs used to list points, such as erstens (firstly), zweitens (secondly) and drittens (thirdly).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsvaɪ̯tn̩s/
Did you know?
- In a debate or logical argument, using zweitens can sound quite assertive or even slightly confrontational if the tone is not carefully controlled.
- The ordinal sequence erstens, zweitens, drittens is so ingrained that it is often used as a shorthand in German humor to mock someone who is being overly pedantic.
- The suffix '-ens' in zweitens is an old grammatical construction used to create adverbs from ordinal numbers, which is no longer used for most other numbers in modern German.
Examples in context
- Erstens bin ich beschäftigt und zweitens hab ich kein Interesse.First, I'm busy, and secondly, I'm not interested.This sentence shows how to use zweitens to provide a second reason.Tatoeba #1284700 by Vortarulo, translation #11855691 by sundown
- Erstens ist er dein Vater, zweitens ist er sehr krank. Tom, du musst ihm unbedingt helfen!Firstly, he is your father, secondly, he is very sick. Tom, you must absolutely help him!This sentence uses zweitens to list two points regarding a person's status.Tatoeba #6215402 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6215741 by carlosalberto
- Er hat beschlossen, das Haus nicht zu kaufen, da es erstens zu teuer und zweitens von seinem Büro zu weit entfernt war.He decided not to buy the house because, first of all, it was too expensive, and secondly, it was too far from his office.This sentence demonstrates using zweitens to explain the second of two reasons for a decision.Tatoeba #12196540 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12194147 by Miktsoanit
- Es gibt mehrere Gründe, warum diese Lösung vorteilhaft ist. Zweitens ermöglicht sie eine effiziente Kostenreduktion.There are several reasons why this solution is beneficial. Secondly, it allows for efficient cost reduction.
- Ich möchte zwei Punkte ansprechen. Des Weiteren sollten wir die Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt berücksichtigen.I want to address two points. Secondly, we should consider the environmental impact.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing why they cannot go on a hiking trip.
- MaximilianErstens regnet es heute und zweitens bin ich zu müde.First it is raining today, and secondly I am too tired.
- LauraDas ist schade, aber ich verstehe dich.That is a shame, but I understand you.
- MaximilianWir können vielleicht nächste Woche wandern gehen.Maybe we can go hiking next week.
- LauraJa, das klingt nach einem guten Plan!Yes, that sounds like a good plan!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secondly” translations and entries zweitens, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zweitens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
